VICTORIA – Last month, Community, Sport and Cultural Development Minister Bill Bennett announced that the BC Arts Council (BCAC) will receive a budget of $24 million in 2013-14. This represents the highest level of funding in BCAC history. The funding includes $5.25 million for BC Creative Futures, a recently announced three-part strategy to support sustainable, long-term success for the province’s creative sector.

With this significant new investment, BCAC has the opportunity to review funding levels for its core programs, including annual operating assistance. BCAC will ensure that BC Creative Futures funding, combined with the current core programs, will contribute to arts and culture in communities across British Columbia. All $24 million will be delivered through the BCAC’s established peer-review process, ensuring fair and accountable decision making.

With funding from BC Creative Futures, BCAC will support new and expanded programs that will enhance youth engagement in the arts. Through innovative Creative Youth Initiatives and increased funding for existing programs such as Artists in Education and Artists in the Classroom, there will be additional opportunities for B.C.’s established artists to share their experience and expertise with the next generation of creative British Columbians. Council will also be increasing resources to support exceptional students pursuing arts degrees or diplomas, and emerging artists seeking job training through internships, mentorship and apprenticeships.

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Established in 1995, the BCAC is a publicly-funded B.C. government agency that supports artists and cultural organizations throughout the province. Council enlists the input of British Columbia’s arts community to evaluate funding applications through an independent peer review process.

The council administers 37 competitive programs and provides awards to more than 1,000 artists and organizations in approximately 200 communities throughout the province.